Design + Inspiration

September and SILMO in Paris

1st September 2015 An exhilarating colour palette is just one of the numerous highlights that awaits visitors at SILMO in Paris from 25th to 28th September. International eyewear creators will present their latest collections, and the previews we have seen, indicate that the forthcoming season promises to be a beautiful symphony of colour, appealing shapes, and superb materials.

Ultra-slim acetate designs by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland (above) possess a swashbuckling urban look with retro contours. Randy (forefront) features the symbolic Götti shine, in an autumn hue of shining russet. Wlady is a powerful shape with a velvety, soft matte finish in smooth Mocha. Randy and WLady are genuine modern classics luxuriously crafted. www.gotti.ch

The Greek god of beauty – Kalos – has inspired the vibrant colours in Kirk & Kirk’s new Kaleidoscope collection. Jason and Karen Kirk have crafted their signature Italian acrylic material into distinctive frames that radiate brilliant colour with a polished glass effect. Carey in Ocean features contemporary styling with strong, sophisticated contours. www.kirkandkirk.com

Lafont Paris unveils their superb 2015 sunglass collection at SILMO. Amongst the newest designs is SOHO, with beautiful Liberty Art Fabric inserted between the acetate. The colourful floral variations are reminiscent of an English Country Garden, bursting with abundant blossoms. And just like a flourishing oasis, the colours are wonderful – including lilac (above); the frame is also available in a medley of red, blue, yellow and green florals; plus a predominately “white” garden scattered with tiny multi-colour buds; and three other variations. Lafont also promises additional eyewear surprises at SILMO this year – more info at www.lafont.com

Jono Hennessy reflects on his Australian heritage, and incorporates the colours and prints of his native land in the new eyewear collection. Bungle Bungle is inspired by the outback town of Coober Pedy, and its rare black opals. The expressive cat-eye shape is the perfect concept for these colourful and exotic frames. Jono Hennessy will also be launching a new brand at SILMO – Zepher Modern Alchemy – uniting Titanium and HDCA (hard density cellulose acetate). www.jonohennessy.com Additional SILMO information at www.silmoparis.com JG

Hall of Frames in Switzerland

Independent, exclusive eyewear brands headline the Hall of Frames exhibition in Zurich 4th and 5th October. The event is a celebration of eyewear creators, and includes among others: ROLF Spectacles; Adrian Marwitz; Götti; Suzy Glam; Kirk & Kirk; Orgreen; Face à Face; Hapter; Lafont; and Coblens.

ROLF Spectacles present their award-winning Excellence 92 (above) from the evolved collection. Streamlined and elegant, the frame is available in four different wood combinations – utilising the finest natural materials, innovative technologies, and superb craftsmanship. All ROLF designs are produced by hand in The Tyrol in Austria. www.rolf-spectacles.com

Extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear, Adrian Marwitz champions the characteristics of Titanium in his Urban Stranger series. Lucky number Stranger 13 is slim and slender, artfully crafted in Germany, and exudes a sophisticated air in Navy Blue with Turquoise trim. www.adrianmarwitz.com Photo by Max Gudczinski

“Suzy Glam has left the building” is an evocative new design from The Netherlands based designer Susanne Klemm. Smooth acetate is crafted into a voluminous shape that is bold and striking. A varied selection of colours is available including Champagne (above); army, thunder; and turtle in luminous acetate, plus matte versions. Save the dates for Zurich! More information at www.hallofframes.ch www.suzyglam.com JG

Trendy Opticals

Reading Writing, ‘rithmatic…and new glasses! Appealing frame designs for the new term will please and excite both youngsters and their parents. Zoobug has a striking, fun collection that includes vintage shapes in modern colours. The above photo features Sunny – a round design in perky red/white stripes: Butterfly is for children from 5-12 years; Kat is perfect for blooming fashionistas; and Square is super trendy in a range of colours created to delight children. For more information on the latest Zoobug collection, visit www.zoobug.com Photo by Wanda Kujacz, www.wandakujacz.book.fr

Bright, joyful colours and precise fit highlight children’s eyewear at Lafont Paris. A Scottish touch with the inside of the frame accented in Tartan plaid adds zest and zip to Rififi. Discover more fresh statement shapes for children at www.lafont.com

Red Optical in The Netherlands has launched a beautiful collection for children in colours that range from soft pastels to sophisticated darker tones. Montreal has a vintage spirit, crafted in smooth acetate, with perfect fit for little faces. www.redoptical.com

Eyewear styles that reflect adult designs are a favourite with kids, and Original Penguin Junior has a selection for boys in grown up colours that include black, tortoiseshell and olive geen. www.kenmarkoptical.com JG

LINDBERG Handcrafted Air Titanium Rim

The Air Titanium Rim was launched in 1993, and today, the frame is an icon in the LINDBERG collections. The lightweight, minimalist design is individually handcrafted, and weighs only three grams. It is both strong and flexible, with a graceful curved bridge, as in Marlene  – above.

Henrik Lindberg says: “If something’s worth doing, we do it exceptionally well. That’s why we insist on the unique LINDBERG blend of iconic handmade Danish design, subtle elegance and exceptional comfort – everything done in-house.”

The LINDBERG Air Titanium Rim frame is representative of elegant, enduring fine design. www.lindberg.com JG